Vegetable Wreath with Dip

Vegetables and dip are a staple at most holiday parties. For this appetizer, vegetables are cut into festive shapes and arranged into a wreath.

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon dill weed

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1/4 cup chopped ripe olives, well drained

Vegetable Wreath

4 cups broccoli florets

1 medium green bell pepper, cut into strips

8 cherry tomatoes

1 medium jicama or turnip, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

1 medium red bell pepper

How to make it

1

Make dip: Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, chili powder, dill weed and garlic powder in a small mixing bowl; mix well. Stir in onions and olives. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

2

Transfer dip to a serving bowl; place in the center of a 12-inch round serving plate.

3

Make vegetable wreath: Arrange broccoli, green bell pepper strips and tomatoes in a wreath shape around dip. Using a small star cookie cutter, cut out stars from jicama slices; place over wreath. Cut red bell pepper into 5 pieces that form the shape of a bow; position on wreath. Serves: 12